ScriptureDepth's study of Romans 1
“For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.”
Romans 1:16
Paul writes to the believers in Rome, declaring that he is not ashamed of the 'Good News' because it is God's power for salvation for all who believe.
What Romans 1 is about
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, identifies himself as an apostle set apart for the Good News (vv. 1-2). He greets those in Rome, calling them beloved of God and saints (vv. 6-7). Paul expresses gratitude for their faith, which is known globally, and he prays to visit them (vv. 8-10). He longs to impart a spiritual gift to establish their faith and to be mutually encouraged (vv. 11-12). Paul states he is a debtor to Greeks and non-Greeks, eager to preach the Good News to those in Rome (vv. 14-15). He boldly declares that he is not ashamed of the Good News, as it is God’s power for salvation for all who believe (vv. 16-17). God’s wrath against ungodliness and unrighteousness is revealed, as people suppress the truth (vv. 18-23). Due to their rebellion, God gives them up to sinful desires and a reprobate mind (vv. 24-32).
Those who practice unrighteousness are worthy of death, as stated by God.
Romans 1 at a glance
- Romans 1:1–7Paul's Introduction and Greeting
- Romans 1:8–15Desire to Visit Rome
- Romans 1:16–17The Power of the Gospel
- Romans 1:18–23God's Wrath Against Ungodliness
- Romans 1:24–32Consequences of Rebellion
Key verse: Romans 1:16
One thing to notice
In verses 18-32, Paul describes humanity's rebellion against God. He notes the progression from knowing God to exchanging truth for lies. The text lists moral failures and the consequences of this turning away from God.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Romans 1 (WEB)
Paul's Introduction and Greeting Romans 1:1–7
1Verse 1. Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God, 2Verse 2. which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3Verse 3. concerning his Son, who was born of the offspring of David according to the flesh, 4Verse 4. who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5Verse 5. through whom we received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name’s sake; 6Verse 6. among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ;
7Verse 7. to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Desire to Visit Rome Romans 1:8–15
8Verse 8. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world. 9Verse 9. For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10Verse 10. requesting, if by any means now at last I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you. 11Verse 11. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established; 12Verse 12. that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.
13Verse 13. Now I don’t desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14Verse 14. I am debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15Verse 15. So, as much as is in me, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who are in Rome.
The Power of the Gospel Romans 1:16–17
16Verse 16. For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, because it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek. 17Verse 17. For in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, “But the righteous shall live by faith.”
God's Wrath Against Ungodliness Romans 1:18–23
18Verse 18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19Verse 19. because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. 20Verse 20. For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse. 21Verse 21. Because, knowing God, they didn’t glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22Verse 22. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23Verse 23. and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.
Consequences of Rebellion Romans 1:24–32
24Verse 24. Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves; 25Verse 25. who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26Verse 26. For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature. 27Verse 27. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.
28Verse 28. Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29Verse 29. being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers, 30Verse 30. backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31Verse 31. without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32Verse 32. who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Romans 1
Gospel power
In verses 1-5, Paul identifies himself as a servant and apostle, set apart for the 'Good News of God.' He states that the Gospel is 'the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes' (v. 16), which includes both Jews and Greeks. The chapter conveys how this power is rooted in Jesus Christ's resurrection, affirming his divine authority and the transformative impact of faith.
Human sinfulness
The chapter discusses human sinfulness in verses 18-32, detailing how people suppress the truth and engage in unrighteousness. In verses 21-23, it describes those who, despite knowing God, fail to glorify him, leading them to foolishness and idolatry. This portrayal of humanity highlights the pervasive nature of sin and rebellion against God’s truth, culminating in the consequences of their actions.
Divine wrath
Divine wrath is revealed in verses 18-20, where Paul asserts that God's anger is directed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. The text states that because people have suppressed the truth, God’s wrath is 'revealed from heaven' against them. This theme continues through verses 24-32, illustrating how God 'gave them up' to their sinful desires as a consequence of their rebellion.
Revelation of God through creation
In verses 19-20, Paul explains that God's attributes are 'clearly seen' in creation, making humanity without excuse for their rejection of him. He states that the invisible qualities of God, such as his 'everlasting power and divinity,' are evident through the things that are made. This revelation serves as a backdrop for understanding the accountability of humanity in light of God's creation.
Chapter outline
How Romans 1 unfolds
Romans 1:1–7 Paul's Introduction and Greeting
Paul introduces himself as a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, stating that he has been set apart for the 'Good News' of God, which concerns Jesus, who is affirmed as the Son of God through his resurrection (vv. 1-4).
Romans 1:8–15 Desire to Visit Rome
Paul expresses gratitude for the faith of the Roman believers, stating that their faith is known worldwide, and he shares his desire to visit them in order to impart a spiritual gift (vv. 8-11).
Romans 1:16–17 The Power of the Gospel
In these verses, Paul declares he is unashamed of the 'Good News' as it embodies God's power for salvation, revealing God's righteousness required for faith (vv. 16-17).
Romans 1:18–23 God's Wrath Against Ungodliness
God's wrath is revealed against human sinfulness, as people reject His truth, leading to their reasoning becoming futile and their hearts darkened (vv. 18-21).
Romans 1:24–32 Consequences of Rebellion
As a consequence of rejecting God, people engage in various immoral behaviors, leading to further depravity, including ungratefulness and unmerciful actions (vv. 24-32).
Key verses
Romans 1:16Paul writes to the believers in Rome, declaring that he is not ashamed of the 'Good News' because it is God's power for salvation for all who believe.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Romans 1
- observeIn v7, who does Paul address as 'beloved of God'?
- observeWhat does Paul long to impart in v11 to the Roman believers?
- interpretPaul's statement in v16 about feeling 'not ashamed' of the Good News: what does this indicate about cultural pressures he faced?
- interpretIn v25, why does Paul describe the exchange of truth for a lie with such strong language?
- applyWhen have you noticed a time when society approved of actions contrary to what is described in v32?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Romans 1
- 2 Timothy 1Romans 1:16 and 2 Timothy 1:8Both share the Good News: Romans 1:16 says it is the power of God for salvation, while 2 Timothy 1:8 says endure hardship for the Good News.
- 1 Corinthians 1Romans 1:16 and 1 Corinthians 1:18Both assert power: Romans 1:16 describes the Good News as the power of God, while 1 Corinthians 1:18 states the word of the cross is the power of God.
- Habakkuk 2Romans 1:17 and Habakkuk 2:4Both affirm living by faith: Romans 1:17 states the righteous shall live by faith, while Habakkuk 2:4 proclaims the righteous will live by his faith.
- Isaiah 44Romans 1:21 and Isaiah 44:18Both describe ignorance: Romans 1:21 states they did not glorify God, while Isaiah 44:18 notes they don’t know or consider.
- Romans 2Romans 1:18 and Romans 2:1Both reveal judgment: Romans 1:18 speaks of God's wrath against unrighteousness, while Romans 2:1 declares that judging condemns oneself.
- 2 Thessalonians 2Romans 1:28 and 2 Thessalonians 2:10Both involve rejecting God: Romans 1:28 states God gave them up to a reprobate mind, while 2 Thessalonians 2:10 says they didn’t receive the love of the truth.
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